Street food is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s everywhere. Whether you’re in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find no shortage of street food vendors to choose from.
In Vietnam, street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Eating street food is a great way to get a taste of the local culture and try something new.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular Vietnamese street foods. We’ll also give you some tips on how to order street food like a pro. Table of Contents
Street cuisine in Vietnam is more than a list of typical Vietnamese meals served on the street; it also reflects a portion of the Vietnamese people’s culture, lifestyle, sentiments, and thoughts.
Vietnamese street food, in particular, presents a uniqueness not found in other cuisines worldwide. This is because Vietnamese street food has been shaped and influenced by both internal and external factors such as geography, history, religion, and war.
One of the most notable features of Vietnamese street food is the use of fresh ingredients. This is because Vietnam is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, including fertile soil and a tropical climate that is ideal for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Another significant feature of Vietnamese street food is how it is prepared. Vietnamese street food vendors typically use simple methods of cooking that do not require a lot of time or effort. This is because the Vietnamese people value simplicity and pragmatism, and they believe that good food does not need to be complicated or time-consuming to prepare.
Last but not least, Vietnamese street food is also known for its affordability. This is because the vast majority of Vietnamese street food vendors are small businesses that operate on a tight budget. As such, they typically offer their dishes at very reasonable prices, making them accessible to a wide range of people.
Taken together, these features make Vietnamese street food culture unique and distinct from other cuisines around the world. It is a cuisine that is reflective of the Vietnamese people’s values and beliefs, and it is one that offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the country’s rich food culture.
Vietnamese street food is some of the most delicious and affordable food that you will find in Vietnam. Here are four reasons why you should make it a point to try street food on your next trip to Vietnam
You’ll Get to Try a Wide Variety of Dishes
One of the best things about Vietnamese street food is that it offers a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something hearty and filling, you’re sure to find a street food dish that suits your taste.
You’ll Be Supporting Local Businesses
When you eat street food in Vietnam, you’ll be supporting local businesses. The vast majority of Vietnamese street food vendors are small businesses that rely on the income from selling their dishes to make a living.
You’ll Get to Experience the Real Vietnam
Eating street food is one of the best ways to experience real Vietnam. This is because street food is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and it is something that the vast majority of Vietnamese people eat on a regular basis.
You’ll Get to Try Authentic Vietnamese Dishes
When you eat street food in Vietnam, you can be sure that you’re getting an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. This is because most street food vendors use traditional methods of cooking and only use fresh local ingredients.
Phở is the quintessential Vietnamese dish and it can be found being sold at street food stalls all over Vietnam. It is a noodle soup that is typically made with beef or chicken, and it is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables.
The more popular of the two is beef pho (phở bò), which is made with thinly sliced beef that is cooked in an aromatic broth. Chicken pho (phở gà) is also a popular option and it is made with chicken that has been simmered in a broth infused with ginger, star anise, and cloves.
The secret to a good bowl of pho is in the broth, which is typically made by simmering beef or chicken bones for several hours. This gives the broth a deep and rich flavor that is perfect for savoring on a cold day.
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Bánh mì is a type of Vietnamese sandwich that is made with a variety of fillings, including meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It is typically served on a small baguette that has been slightly toasted, and it is a popular street food dish among both locals and tourists.
The most popular type of bánh mì is the pork bánh mì, which is made with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Other popular fillings include chicken, beef, and tofu.
No matter what type of filling you choose, one thing that all bánh mì have in common is that they are delicious and incredibly affordable.
Spring rolls are a popular Vietnamese street food dish that is made with a variety of fillings, including meats, vegetables, and noodles. They have wrapped in rice paper or spring roll wrappers, and they are typically served with a dipping sauce.
The most popular type of spring roll is the pork spring roll, which is made with grilled pork, vegetables, and noodles. Other popular fillings include chicken, beef, and shrimp.
Spring rolls are a great option if you’re looking for something light and refreshing, and they make a perfect snack or appetizer.
If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, then you need to try Vietnamese iced coffee. This refreshing beverage is made with strong coffee that is poured over ice, and it is often served with condensed milk.
Vietnamese iced coffee is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
Bún đậu mắm tôm is a popular street food dish that is made with vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. It is a popular breakfast dish among locals, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
The dish is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, and it can be customized to your liking. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast option, then this is the dish for you.
Vietnamese pizza, or bánh tráng nướng, is a popular street food dish that is made with a thin rice paper base and topped with a variety of toppings, including meats, vegetables, and herbs. It is then grilled over charcoal, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
Bánh tráng nướng is a popular street food dish among both locals and tourists, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
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Nem nướng is a popular Vietnamese street food dish that is made with grilled pork skewers. The pork is marinated in a variety of spices and sauces, and it is then grilled over charcoal, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.
Nem nướng is a popular street food dish among both locals and tourists, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
Bún bò huế is a popular Vietnamese street food dish that is made with beef, noodles, and a variety of spices and herbs. It is a popular breakfast dish among locals, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
The soup is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, and it can be customized to your liking. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast option, then this is the dish for you.
Bánh xèo is a popular Vietnamese street food dish that is made with rice flour and water batter, and it is typically filled with meats, vegetables, and herbs. The crepes are then fried in oil, giving them a crispy texture.
Bánh xèo is a popular street food dish among both locals and tourists, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
Bún chả is a popular Vietnamese street food dish that is made with grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, and a variety of herbs and vegetables. It is a popular breakfast dish among locals, and it can be found at street food stalls all over Vietnam.
The dish is served with a dipping sauce, and it can be customized to your liking. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast option, then this is the dish for you.
When choosing a street food vendor, it is important to consider the following factors:
It is also important to remember that street food vendor are often located in busy areas, so it is important to be cautious when choosing a vendor. Make sure to observe the vendor’s stall and make sure that they are using fresh ingredients and that their stall is clean.
When it comes to price, street food vendors typically have reasonable prices for their dishes. However, it is still important to compare prices before purchasing anything.
Finally, it is also important to consider the vendor’s reputation. If you are unsure about a vendor, ask around and see if anyone has any recommendations.
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There you have it! These are just some of the popular street food dishes that you can find in Vietnam. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, then be sure to check out these dishes.
Street food is a popular and convenient option for both locals and tourists. When choosing a street food vendor, it is important to consider the cleanliness of the stall, the freshness of the ingredients, the price of the dishes, and the vendor’s reputation. By following these tips, you can be sure to find a delicious and safe street food option.
So, next time you’re in Vietnam, be sure to check out some of these popular street food dishes. Bon appetit!
